What is a Portable Solar Power System?
A portable solar power system can be defined as a solar power system or generator that is not permanently fixed to one location. One example of a portable solar power supply is a solar power radio, but a portable solar power system does not necessarily have to be limited in size to something so small. As long as there are enough solar panels to collect the required amount of solar energy for the device’s needs, a mobile solar system can take on many faces.
RV Solar Power: Energy on the Road
Did you know that there are recreational vehicles that have RV solar panels affixed to their roof to produce on-the-go RV solar power? This is a case of true mobile solar power, but probably not what “The Who” had in mind when they wrote their smash hit “Going Mobile”.
Portable Solar Systems for Everyday Use
Since harnessing solar energy has been technologically perfected to the point where much smaller devices in the solar energy equation are needed to produce usable amounts of electricity, a mobile solar system is now only limited in size and mobility by the mind of the user.
Examples include:
- RV solar power kits (full-scale, but expensive)
- Solar power backpacks (affordable and great for personal electronics)
Solar Backpacks: A Great Choice for Hikers and Students
If you are an outdoorsman, hiking benefits you in several ways. You burn off calories, you enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors, and the solar energy panel on your backpack soaks up the sun while you hike, storing replenishable energy.
The nature lover or college student can pick up the solar power backpack from vendors like CSD.
- Model: V-dimension Helius Solar Powered Backpack
- Price: Around $100
- Features: Comes equipped with adapters for most cell phones and MP3 players
Mobile Solar Power Company Solutions
Demand for a portable solar power system is so high that several companies have been created just to fill the portable solar power supply niche. Opening their doors in 2006 in Atascadera, California, the aptly named “Mobile Solar Power” provides tow-behind portable solar systems.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Model | Vehicle Compatibility | Use Case | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS-100 | Towable by most 4 and 6-cylinder vehicles | Small mobile solar system for vacations or get-togethers | ~$12,000 |
| MS-375 | 20-foot trailer, full home power system | All-inclusive, it can power an entire home | ~$50,000 |
Marine Solar Power
Marine solar power is available to those who don’t like the idea of getting stranded in the middle of the ocean by a dead motor.
Components include:
- Solar collecting panels
- A solar charge controller (prevents battery overcharging)
- Your boat battery
Price range:
- 10-watt kits → around $140
- 85-watt kits → about $480
This ensures your radio, ship-bound electronics, and engine always have reliable backup power.
Solar Radios: Small but Powerful
The solar-powered radio mentioned earlier is readily available online, with hundreds of models to choose from.
- Timex T065S Solar Powered Radio Controlled Atomic Alarm Clock → $15 (always accurate, set by global Atomic Clock signals)
- Etón American Red Cross ARCFR360R Solarlink Self-Powered Digital AM/FM/NOAA Radio → $50 (includes solar power, flashlight, and cell phone charger)
Final Thoughts
As you can see, the portable solar power system selection is as wide and particular as your lifestyle dictates.
- For RVs → purchase a solar power kit designed for RV solar power
- For walking or hiking → grab a solar power backpack
- For large outdoor gatherings → invest in a complete portable solar system
No matter which way you go, when you harness the portable solar technology available today, you will be going mobile in style.